In writing this blog and sharing the pictures, I expect some snarky comments, eye rolling, and other negative vibes from some people. But I'm not doing this for them. I'm doing this for me, and I'm sharing my story for those who want to read it.

Earlier this year I declared 2014 "The Year of the Abs." It's now late July and I am no closer to finding mine than OJ is to finding the real killer. Recently, my buddy Chad sent me a message challenging me. I like the idea of having an "Operation Find My Abs" Challenge. We're both middle age and a little crazy (wrestling fans will get that), so here we are.

Me and my BowFlex

I don't expect to get ripped and look someone from the pages of Muscle and Fitness magazine. But it's my hope to have some definable abs, loss the love handles, and build up my pecs. I'm running more and increasing my workouts with DDP Yoga. I've also dusted off my BowFlex and plan to start a regular workout program.

One last treat

For me the hardest thing is going to be watching what I eat. I've always read the first step to finding your abs is in the kitchen. I have a big sweet tooth. I've recently cut back sweets to just the weekends. But starting now, I will eliminate them totally, at least for this initial phase of the program and then I'll have them sparingly on a cheat day. Last night was my first and last Chocodile for a long time.

I hope that by going public with this, I'll take it more serious. I've said hundreds of times, I'm going to do this to myself, but never got very far.

The other reason I'm doing this is to hopefully inspire some others along the way. I'm not a fitness or nutrition expert. I'm a 41 year old husband and father who is still not 100% positive this is going to work. Part of me thinks I'm too old to transform my body, while the other part of me is worried I'm biting off more than I can chew.

My first half-marathon back in February

If you want to join us on the journey, please do. We can all support each other along the way and if you've already found your abs, feel free to share advice. It's not going to be easy, but I'm determined that now is the time to make this happen. Thanks for the support.